About This Book
Reach for this book when the initial excitement of a new family pet has turned into the daily grind of chewed shoes and chaotic walks. This story speaks directly to the frustration and impatience that can bubble up in a household when a high energy dog, Dave, doesn't immediately conform to expectations. It provides a gentle mirror for both children and parents who are navigating the steep learning curve of responsibility and empathy. Bob Graham uses his signature warmth to show that behavior is often a two-way street. While the book focuses on Dave's antics, the heart of the story is about Dad and the family realizing that understanding a pet's personality is more important than achieving perfect obedience. It is a perfect choice for children aged 4 to 8 who are learning that love requires patience and that everyone, including adults and animals, is a work in progress.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and grounded in everyday realism. There are no heavy topics like death or divorce. The conflict is centered on domestic frustration and the minor stress of pet ownership, resolving in a hopeful and realistic way.
